Autism and gaming

Many people on the autism spectrum have an affinity for gaming.

For them, gaming doesn’t just provide entertainment; it can increase cognitive development, creativity, and social interactions. However, it is also important to consider the risks associated with gaming so that it remains a safe and enjoyable activity for an autistic person and their loved ones. 

Why do autistic people love gaming?

Gaming is enjoyable for both autistic and neurotypical people because it is:

• A form of escapism from the pressures of everyday life
• A platform where people who share the same interests can interact 
• A form of entertainment which can involve a clear structure, rules and rewards 
• A place where talents that might not be recognised in the real world are celebrated
• A place where different personas and identities can be explored safely 
• A place where social interaction is less daunting, particularly for autistic people (e.g., no requirements for eye contact or reading body language). In the example of single-player games, users do not need to interact with anyone, which can make social interaction much less overwhelming.

Benefits of gaming for autistic people

Cognitive and learning benefits

Video games can help autistic people improve cognitive skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking. Many video games require players to respond quickly to changes, manage multiple tasks, and plan under pressure, which are transferable and useful skills in everyday life. 

Video games can also improve attention, concentration, and visual recognition. Autistic individuals often find these games rewarding because they are entertaining and create a sense of accomplishment in developing resilience and new skills while overcoming challenges.

Social benefits

Social interaction when gaming can be less overwhelming than face-to-face interaction for those on the autism spectrum. Multiplayer games require successful teamwork and communication, which can help autistic people practise these skills while doing something they love. This can build their confidence and help them develop friendships with people who share the same interests and passions.

Online gaming communities can also help autistic people feel a sense of belonging and acceptance that might be harder to find in other social settings, helping to reduce isolation, loneliness and mental ill-health.

Therapeutic benefits

Recognising the therapeutic benefits of gaming, some mental health professionals have started using video games to deliver therapy to autistic people. Games like Minecraft are used for entertainment and as tools in social skills groups, where therapists can observe and guide interactions in a safe and supportive way that is also engaging for participants.

Risks associated with gaming

Despite the benefits, the risks associated with excessive gaming cannot be ignored, particularly for autistic individuals. Studies suggest that, on average, autistic individuals spend about 2 hours daily on internet games, amounting to 12-17 hours weekly. This exceeds their neurotypical peers' average gaming time and exceeds paediatric screen time guidelines. Without early, tailored support, autistic individuals can develop unhealthy gaming habits, including:

Mental health concerns

Many people use video games to escape from feelings of stress, anxiety and depression in their everyday lives. However, some people can become too reliant on games for escapism rather than addressing the root cause of their feelings. Autistic individuals are at a higher risk of developing co-occurring mental health conditions, making them also more likely to game excessively as a form of escapism. Spending too much time playing video games can make it harder for individuals to perform at school or work or keep up with their other responsibilities and self-care tasks.

Online harassment

Autistic gamers are also more likely to experience negative social interactions online, including cyberbullying and phishing (internet scams). Some gaming communities can also have high rates of bullying, particularly involving members who are less experienced in the game or playing with other people (multiplayer mode). These experiences can lead to a sense of insecurity and distrust, which is particularly damaging in a space they might have once considered safe and accepting.

Other risks associated with gaming include physical health challenges, including obesity, carpal tunnel syndrome and sleep issues, poor performance at school and frequent issues and conflicts in relationships.

Gaming addiction

Gaming addiction, sometimes called Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), is a serious condition where gaming is so excessive that it has negative impacts on many areas of an individual’s daily life. Some of the symptoms associated with IGD in autistic teenagers include:

• A preoccupation with gaming, often thinking about playing when not actively engaged in the game.
• Irritability when unable to play; experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
• Regular physical or verbal outbursts during gameplay.
• Poor performance at school or work due to gaming.
• Relationship issues stemming from excessive gaming.
• Feelings of anxiety and low mood when not gaming.
• Loss of interest in non-gaming activities and socialising with people face-to-face.
• Continuing to game even when they know the damage it is causing to their life.

Strategies for healthy gaming

To enjoy video games while staying safe and healthy, it is key for players, families, and professionals to prioritise healthy gaming habits. Having open conversations with your child about their gaming can help you identify the root cause of gaming issues and make your child feel understood. You might wish to raise these with any therapists working with your child so they can help address underlying issues.

Establish clear rules around how long your child can game each day. Using timers or software that limits gameplay after a certain period can help enforce these boundaries, particularly in the early days. Organising other activities such as physical exercise, reading, or spending time with family and friends in person gives autistic children healthy alternatives for relaxing, entertaining and expressing themselves.

Professional support

For people who use gaming as an escape from mental health challenges, seeking professional advice from psychologists or behavioural therapists can provide healthier strategies to cope with stress or anxiety.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Internet Addicts (CBT-IA) helps individuals recognise the harms of excessive gaming, identify and challenge triggers for gaming problems and improve impulse control. It can also help individuals develop healthier emotional regulation habits and improve communication and relationship skills.

Support Groups and programs like Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous (ITAA) and Media Addicts Anonymous (MAA) offer structured support to overcome gaming addiction. Websites such as Game Quitters and Game Aware provide resources and community support tailored to the needs of gamers, including gamers with autism.